SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Central New York Boat Show set sail Thursday at the New York State Fairgrounds, showcasing more than 400 brand-new power and sailboats under one roof.
From cruisers and sport boats to pontoons and personal watercraft, the event offers an early glimpse into summer fun for boating enthusiasts and potential buyers. For dealers like Fremac Marine, a family-run business with local roots, the annual show is a critical event that lays the groundwork for the year ahead.
A family legacy in boating
Fremac Marine, led by siblings Fran D’Agata and Marianne Wheeler, has been a staple in the Central New York boating community for decades. Their father joined the business in 1958, and both have continued the tradition with D’Agata marking his 30th boat show and Wheeler her 26th.
“It sets the tone for the whole year,” said Wheeler, vice president of Fremac Marine “By the time we leave Sunday, we’ll either be smiling or crying.”
Fremac Marine brought over 40 boats and multiple trailers, requiring extensive setup, including dock building, boat washing and strategic placement within the venue.
“We start planning about two weeks in advance,” said D’Agata, president of Fremac Marine.
Fremac Marine spends a full week transporting the boats, followed by three days of setup for the event. The show runs for four days, during which all 43 boats are sold. By Sunday night, they are all gone. First thing Monday, the team begins another week of resetting at the marina.
Why the boat show matters
For businesses like Fremac Marine, the Central New York Boat Show isn’t just about showcasing inventory, it’s about making connections. With increased competition in the industry, face-to-face interactions with potential buyers remain invaluable.
“You have to be at these shows just because there’s so much competition now,” Wheeler said. “It’s a great way for people to come out and see everything that’s out there in one place.”
The warm atmosphere inside the Expo Center stands in stark contrast to the cold weather outside, creating an advantage for dealers aiming to attract potential buyers.
“The hope is that the people are here because they’re interested in buying boats,” Wheeler said. “Once they’re here, you can just kind of paint the picture for them. Imagine them out on the water, enjoying the sun.”
Final days of the show
As the largest boat show in Upstate New York, the event attracts thousands of visitors over its four-day run. It’s a pivotal moment for local dealers who rely on the sales and exposure generated during the show.
With Sunday marking the final day, attendees still have time to explore the wide range of boats on display. Whether they’re seasoned boaters or first-time buyers, the Central New York Boat Show offers an exciting preview of what’s to come when the lakes finally thaw.
The show concludes Sunday at 5 p.m. at the New York State Fairgrounds.
TRANSCRIPT
CHANCE CHAMBERLAIN: Thursday marked the kickoff of the Central New York Boat Show at the New York State Fairgrounds, showcasing more than 400 brand-new power and sailboats, including cruisers, sport boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, and docks. While surrounding lakes remain frozen, the Expo and Exhibit Center offers a glimpse of summer fun for potential buyers. For boat sellers like Fremac Marine…a family-run business led by siblings Fran D’Agata and Marianne Wheeler…this annual show is a crucial event.
MARIANNE WHEELER: It sets the tone for the whole year. By the time we leave Sunday, we’ll either be smiling or crying.
CHAMBERLAIN: This marks D’Agata’s 30th boat show and Wheeler’s 26th, continuing the legacy their father established when he joined the business in 1958. This year, they brought over 40 boats and multiple trailers, putting in extensive effort to build docks, wash, and carefully set up each boat as they arrived.
FRAN D’AGATA: We start planning about two weeks in advance. It takes a week to get the boats here, three days for move-in, and then four days of selling at the show. By Sunday night, all 43 of our boats will be out of here. Then, first thing Monday, we spend another week resetting at the marina. It’s a long process.
CHAMBERLAIN: The largest boat show in Upstate New York will conclude in four days on Sunday at 5 p.m. Chance Chamberlain, NCC News.